The White House gives Pennsylvania a C- for infrastructure, the Erie County Democratic Committee doesn’t endorse a candidate for Mayor, plus a Scranton businessman is not allowed on the ballot for Mayor of Scranton. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

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PA Infrastructure. C-. That is the grade that the White House awarded Pennsylvania for infrastructure. Although a C- isn’t usually something to write home about, only 15 states received a higher grade than the Keystone State for infrastructure.  

Scott Perry. The York County Republican is already a top target for Democrats in the 2022 cycle, but comments he made this week are sure to add fuel to the fire in their quest to unseat him. The York Dispatch reports that Perry “repeated a controversial talking point largely viewed as racist that insinuates that Americans are being “replaced” by immigrants” during a committee hearing on Wednesday. 

Joe Schember. The Democratic Mayor of Erie will be running without the official support from the local party. The Erie Times-News reports that Erie County Democratic Committee decided not to endorse a candidate in the race for mayor. Schember, who is seeking a second term, is facing a primary challenge from Tom Spagel and Sydney Zimmerman.

Bob Macey. Pittsburgh City Paper reports that the Allegheny County Councilor made some insensitive remarks this week leading up to a vote on a nonbinding motion. Macey, a Democrat, said he was making a “tongue-in-cheek” comment when he said that if the motion, which would “signify that council is opposed to attempts by other governments to limit transgender athletes in sports,” passed it would mean that “Kris Jenner should be able to compete against women.” Although Macey likely meant Caitlyn Jenner, the resolution deals with youth and collegiate athletics. This motion ultimately failed by one vote. 

Karen Barsoum. The Chester County Commissioners appointed Barsoum to serve as director of Chester County’s Department of Voter Services this week, according to the Daily Local News. Barsoum has worked in municipal government for over 10 years, which includes 7 years as assistant director of election services in Berks County. 

Marty Flynn. The Lackawanna County Democrat admitted errors in his financial interest statement and had to file an amended statement after a lawyer for two Scranton Republicans challenged his ballot status, the Scranton Times-Tribune reports. Although Flynn has agreed to amend financial statements over errors that he made, it is currently unclear if he will be denied access on the ballot for the upcoming special election for the state Senate’s 22nd District. 

Ryan Warner. KYW Newsradio reports that a bill, sponsored by this Fayette County Republican, passed the state House. Warner’s bill is “aimed at helping volunteer fire companies and other nonprofits raise money during the coronavirus pandemic.” 

Bob Bolus. The Scranton businessman will not be on the ballot for mayor this election. The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that a state appeals court judge agreed with a Lackawanna County judge who removed Bolus from the GOP ballot for Scranton mayor, due to previous felony criminal convictions in 1991 and 2012. 

Charlene A. Tomasovitch. The Throop Councilwoman faces obstruction charges from the Lackawanna County district attorney’s office after “investigators say she held one borough police officer and pleaded with him not to arrest her son and tried to push past a second officer as they investigated a domestic altercation involving her daughter,” according to the Scranton Times-Tribune. Tomasovitch’s son and daughter are also charged in the incident. The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that attempts to reach Tomasovitch, a Democrat serving her third term on council, were unsuccessful. 

TWEET OF THE WEEK

Pennsylvania’s Phase 1C lasted as long as Frank Gore’s run with the Eagles. https://t.co/mdxTOFzRXG

— Tim Jimenez (@TimJRadio) April 12, 2021